WEEKLY UPDATE FROM THE OFFICE OF LOVELAND CITY MANAGER DAVID KENNEDY – August 21, 2020

Loveland L.I.F.E. Food Pantry is moving into Shoppers Haven and committee sets sub-groups for work on Comprehensive Master Development Plan

WEEKLY UPDATE: David Kennedy, City Manager, Loveland, Ohio

LOVELAND, OH (August 21, 2020) –

Administration

Tuesday, I participated in a zoom conference with Hamilton County officials, regarding the release of additional CDBG grant funding resulting from the CARES Act.  The funding has a quick turn around with applications due next week.  A public hearing to discuss project options has been placed on the August 25, City Council agenda.

The Comprehensive Master Development Plan Committee met on Monday. In their meeting they identified sub-groups that would identify aspects of Quality of Life and Connectivity/Mobility to each sub-group. The committee members were asked to participate in 1-2 sub-groups. The sub-groups address topics such as:

• Character and Identity – Will address how new buildings should look, how we can improve our gateways and corridors, streetscaping and landscaping strategies, and other similar items.
• Economic Development – Will address strategies to attract and retain new businesses, how to improve our existing business districts and corridors, what amenities do our current businesses require to remain successful including electronic and utility infrastructure, and other similar items.
• Residential – Will address strategies to improve or keep our existing residential neighborhoods healthy, guidance for what additional housing types are needed in the community, visions for future annexation areas, and other similar items.
• Parks and Natural Resources – Will address how the city can better utilize our existing parks and natural resources, how to better improve access to these facilities, recommendations for additional parks or related facilities needed within the community, and other similar items.

The committee member sub-group are:

Economic Development: Sam David, Jay Stewart, Lynn Zuch, and Diane Powers

Residential: Lynn Zuch, Tim Butler, Diane Powers, and Sherry Hamlin

Parks and Natural Resources: John Hart. Peter Sexton, Dave Fagin, and Sherry Hamlin

Character and Identity: John Hart, David Scott, Peter Sexton, and Dave Fagin

The preliminary on-line survey for the comp. plan that was on the website is now closed. A secondary survey will be distributed once more information is compiled. Several open houses are also anticipated to place in order to garnish additional public involvement. The results from the commerce park survey were also discussed.

Assistant City Manager, Tom Smith has been working with Director of Finance, Michelle Byrde, on itemizing the purchase tracking of CARES Act funds allotted to the City.

The Arts Commission met on Tuesday evening.  Their primary focus has been establishing guidelines for murals in the City.  The Ad Hoc Committee to Review Council and Committee rules also met on Tuesday.

On Wednesday, the Veterans Memorial Committee met and discussed maintenance concerns at the Memorial, beginning a military banner program, and working with each county to bring VA support and awareness programs to Loveland.

The Public Relations and Communications Committee meet on Thursday and discussed ways to engage the community through the City’s websites, social media, newsletters, broadcastings, as well as neighborhood and community gatherings once the pandemic subsides.

Building and Zoning

This week, the city was notified that Paramount Residential Mortgage Group (PRMG) will be opening a Loveland office in the former Cincy Shirts location at 295 West Loveland Avenue. PRMG has nearly 180 branches throughout the country and will be a nice addition to the city’s downtown business district.

The Loveland Life Pantry received their permit for interior alterations. They will be moving into the Shoppers Haven Shopping Center.  Section D of the development taking place at the NorthStar Church received its temporary occupancy permit; just in time for school to start. The Tiger Express Laundromat also received their permit for interior alterations. 

Police

This week LPD Supervisors and Officers-In-Charge participated in a training program to enhance coordination and organizational leadership. Officer Kyle Bibelhausen and K9 Mack helped Deputies locate and arrest an assault suspect for Symmes Township. Symmes Deputies and LPD Officers also worked together to catch two suspects stealing pallets from Pure Romance.

LSFD

This week, Fire Chief, Otto Huber was notified that LSFD was successful in securing two separate FEMA grants totaling nearly $35,000.  The funding will be used for the purchase of Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) and training for LSFD personnel.

Public Works

This week, the Phillips Park Public Sewer Connection project was completed. With the completion of this project, the restrooms and concessions stand within the park are now connected to public sewer, allowing for the abandonment of the aged septic system.

This week Public Works crews worked on striping within the city. Parking stalls will be completed next week.

Two new Public Works vehicles were delivered this week.  The new Ford truck and van are being scheduled for lettering and will then be put into operations. The vehicles being taken out of service will be placed on GovDeals.com for public sale.

Upcoming Events and Meetings

The Fire Station 63 Relocation Focus Group will meet on Monday, August 24, at 6:00 p.m.

City Council will meet on Tuesday, August 25, at 7:00 p.m.

The Historic Preservation Design Review Committee will meet on Wednesday, August 26, at 7:00 p.m.

The Tree and Environment Committee is scheduled to meet on Thursday, August 27, at 7:30 p.m.

NOTE: The weekly update from City Manager David Kennedy is also available on the City’s website